Drug Addiction: What is it, Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

The problem of drug addiction is one of the most acute health problems in the world. Millions of people are addicted to some types of drugs that they are barely able to quit daily and families could see how their beloved ones are losing their grip. Knowledge on what drug addiction is, its symptoms, causes and treatment may be the first step towards seeking assistance to a drug addict.

What is Drug Addiction?

Substance use disorder/drug addiction is also a chronic disease that is expressed through a compulsive pursuit of drugs regardless of their negative consequences. In the long-term perspective, a drug addict will lose control of the use of the addictive drugs leading to the physical, psychological, and social problems.

The addiction to drugs does not happen when used casually but it changes the neurotransmissible in the brain to the point that quitting the habit becomes extremely difficult unless the person is placed under the professional drug addiction therapeutic interventions.

Is Drug Addiction a Disease?

The fact is that addiction to drugs is a disease. It affects the brain and also the body as any other chronic illness such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Constant use of drugs alters the brain pathways such that they are unable to judge, remember, and self control. This is why it is not always possible even in case a person realizes the risks to stop using it.

Another question which some individuals would put across is: How does drug addiction affect the circulatory system. Long-term consequences of drugs on the body might also include the fact that the blood vessels can be destroyed, the blood pressure could be increased, the possibility of strokes, heart attacks, and other heart diseases.

What is the Most Addictive Drug?

It is impossible to answer the question because various drugs can influence a person. Nonetheless, the following are some of the most abusive drugs:

• Heroin- Causes the user to feel very euphoric and in very little time addiction will take place.
• Cocaine – Gives a strong high and high-population rate of addicts.
• Nicotine – It is among the most common abused substances which are available in cigarettes and vapes.
• Alcohol – Alcohol is not illegal and it is one of the most dangerous when consumed with the long run.
• Methamphetamine – It is the one that is defined by the threatening rate of brain and body destruction.

Whenever people are enquiring about the most addictive drug, opiates, cocaine, and meth are likely to occupy the first-ranking position.

What is the Most Common Drug Addiction?

The most common drug addictions in the world are heroin and meth, although the addiction rates are very high.

• Alcohol- It is considered to be one of the most accepted and all-destroying addictions in the society.
• Nicotine – Still very popular courtesy of cigarettes and vaping.
• Prescription opioids Opioids (or oxycodone or hydrocodone) are analgesics.
• Marijuana – Marijuana is not legal in some locations but when one consumes it excessively, he or she can also be addicted.

The addictions are extremely rampant and have caused the premature deaths, breaking up of families, and millions of hospitalizations.

What are the Symptoms and Causes of Drug Addiction?

Symptoms of Drug Addiction

The effects of drug addiction vary according to the substance, however some of them encompass:

• Ineffectiveness to control use and strong desires.
• Inability to fulfill obligations in the work place, school or family.
• Tolerance (more is in order)
• In the case of withdrawal, there are withdrawal symptoms.
• Fiscal and legal problems.
• Sudden mood or behavior disorders, or physical appearance.

Causes of Drug Addiction

The causes of the addiction to drugs by an individual are many:

• Risk factor is genetics- Family addiction history.
• Environment-You are initiated into drugs in the tender age or swayed by your friends.
• Mental disorders – Depression, anxiety, and trauma are likely to lead to self-medication.
• Previous- use of drugs in adolescence subjects a person to dependency.

How is Drug Addiction Treated?

Drug addiction is not treated unanimously. The physical, emotional, and social level of addiction are addressed with the help of the most appropriate programs.

Common Drug Addiction Treatment Options:

1. Detoxification – Medical detox helps in the safe treatment of the withdrawal symptoms.
2. Inpatient Rehab – Systematic programs provide therapy, support and relapse prevention.
3. Outpatient Programs – Flexible care of the work or family balancers.
4. Medication – Assisted Treatment (MAT) –Such drugs as methadone or buprenorphine reduce cravings.
5. Therapy/Counseling – CBT (cognitive and behavioral therapy), group counseling and family counseling.
6. Support Groups – 12 step such as Narcotics Anonymous.

With the appropriate assistance, drug addict can be cured in the long-term.

Conclusion

Drug addiction is a serious curable illness. The process needs knowledge and assistance as the initial step of knowing what is the most addictive drug can be the first step to perceiving the symptoms and receiving professional treatment in drug addiction. Should you or someone close to you get into trouble, this can be recalled, you can be cured with the assistance of appropriate treatment and encouragement.

Take the first step today. Call Contact Solutions Healthcare (386) 866-3600 and talk about evidence-based and compassionate treatment.

FAQs

1. What is the definition of drug addiction?

Drug addiction is a permanent disorder of the brain in which the individual is persuaded to keep on seeking and using the drugs despite the negative consequences that they bring out on him or her.

2. What is it like living with a drug addict?

It is taxing psychologically, insecure and tense. The families have cases of financial constraint, lack of trust and worry over the security of the loved one.

3. What are the 12 signs of drug addiction?

The typical ones are cravings, withdrawal, irresponsibility, secrets, finances, risk-taking behavior, poor cleanliness, mood swings, legal troubles, high tolerance, solitude, and after-harm use.

4. How to handle a drug addict person?

Be caring, well, foster professional care and avoid facilitate destructive behavior. Referral to addiction experts should also be helpful.

5. How does a drug addict behave?

The drug addict may exhibit a mood swing, lack of honesty, seclusion, very random manner of behaving and the addict will favor using the drug to all other things in life.